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Dissertation Information for Margaret M. Kimmel

NAME:
- Margaret M. Kimmel
- (Alias) Margaret Mary Kimmel
- (Alias) Margaret Kimmel

DEGREE:
- Ph.D.

DISCIPLINE:
- Library and Information Science

SCHOOL:
- University of Pittsburgh (USA) (1980)

ADVISORS:
- Sara Fine

COMMITTEE MEMBERS:
- E. Blanche Woolls
- Patricia Brown Pond
- Patrick R. Penland
- Donald Shirey
- Margaret Hodges

MPACT Status: Fully Complete

Title: PROFESSIONAL STRIVING AND THE ORIENTATION OF PUBLIC LIBRARIANS TOWARD LOWER CLASS CLIENTS

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine if a relationship exists between the attempts of public librarians to enhance their status and prestige within the hierarchy of professions and the delivery of library service to lower class clients. An analysis of library literature showed that a concern for enhancing the status of librarianship was rarely linked to enhancing the quality of service being offered to clients. Little attention was paid to the relationship between librarian and client, although there was evidence from other service-oriented occupational groups that professional striving does affect the delivery of service to clients.

This study was conducted to test whether librarians' search for a better image, for more status and prestige, was related to a regard for lower class clients. It was hypothesized that the more group striving that was exhibited by respondents, the more likely it was that the respondents would have a lower regard for lower class clients. This study was conducted in three major urban public libraries which are situated in large, complex metropolitan areas of the Northeast and have been responsible for serving a diversified community.

A questionnaire was distributed through the internal mail system of each library and 61% of the professional staff in the three cities participated. Two scores were formed for each of the dependent variables, the "striving" of librarians to enhance their image, and the "orientation" of public librarians to lower class clients.

The STRIVING score was correlated with the ORIENTATION score and it was found that there was a significant positive correlation between a higher degree of striving and a lower regard for lower class clients.

The variable, length of service in the profession, was also positively correlated with occupational striving and attitudes toward lower class clients.

The confirmation of the original hypothesis suggests that to fulfill its mandate to serve an entire community, public libraries may need to examine staff orientation and training procedures and to consider provisions of service to special groups. The variables that were tested showed that "age" and "length of service" of the respondents were significantly different with the two scores. Younger and new members of the staff may need special encouragement when working with lower class patrons.

The high loss rate of staff after ten years of service may indicate that public libraries should make an effort to retain experienced staff or be aware that staff turn-over and the constant influx of newer, less experienced people will demand training and orientation of staff in service beyond that provided in the first professional degree. Although some problems in this area are reflective of larger social issues and structures, some effort at redirecting service priorities may be considered by public libraries.

MPACT Scores for Margaret M. Kimmel

A = 13
C = 27
A+C = 40
T = 13
G = 1
W = 13
TD = 13
TA = 0
calculated 2009-05-19 09:46:24

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